The Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants in Tampa has a vibrant barbecue scene with a variety of restaurants offering delicious smoked meats and classic southern sides. From the classic offerings at Holy Hog Barbecue to the unique flavors at Smoke Shack BBQ, there’s something for every barbecue lover in Tampa. Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que offers a no-frills, family-owned experience, while Mission BBQ pays homage to first responders and military personnel. Finally, Big John’s Alabama Barbecue brings a taste of the Deep South to Tampa with its slow-cooked meats and traditional sides. Here is why they are the best restaurants in Tampa for easing your BBQ craving.
1. Holy Hog Barbecue – Holy Hog Barbecue, included as one of the top barbecue restaurants in Tampa, is one of the most popular barbecue restaurants, and for good reason. Their meats are cooked to perfection and the sides are always fresh and tasty. They also have a great selection of craft beers and other drinks to go with your meal.
2. Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que – This family-owned and operated restaurant, one of the most popular barbecue restaurants in Tampa, has been serving up some of the best barbecue in Tampa since 2009. Their slow-smoked meats are the main attraction, but don’t forget to try their mac and cheese and collard greens, which are both fantastic.
3. Mission BBQ – Mission BBQ, while among the top barbecue restaurants in Tampa, is a newer restaurant, but it’s quickly become a favorite among locals. They serve up a variety of barbecue styles, from Texas brisket to Memphis-style ribs, and everything is cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is also great, with patriotic decor and a focus on supporting first responders and military personnel.
4. Smoke Shack BBQ – This laid-back barbecue joint, another of the top barbecue restaurants in Tampa, is located in the Seminole Heights neighborhood of Tampa and is known for its delicious smoked meats, homemade sauces, and friendly service. They also have a great selection of craft beers and a rotating selection of daily specials.
5. Big John’s Alabama Barbecue – Look no further than Big John’s, which is amid the top barbecue restaurants in Tampa, if you’re looking for authentic Alabama-style barbecue in Tampa. Their meats are slow-smoked and served with classic Southern sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad. The friendly staff and casual atmosphere make it a great spot for a laid-back meal.
Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants in Tampa
Holy Hog Barbecue
Address: Multiple locations in Tampa, FL (South Tampa, West Tampa, Carrollwood, Downtown Tampa, and St. Petersburg)
Hours: Vary by location, typically open 11am-9pm daily
Phone Number: (813) 282-4647
Holy Hog Barbecue, included as one of the top barbecue restaurants in Tampa, is a casual, counter-service restaurant that specializes in Southern-style barbecue. The interior of the restaurant is cozy and rustic, with wooden tables and chairs, exposed brick walls, and a mix of classic and modern decor.
One of the most popular items on the menu at Holy Hog Barbecue is their St. Louis Spare Ribs, which are slow-smoked for several hours and then basted with their signature barbecue sauce. The ribs are tender and juicy with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Holy Hog Barbecue has a few unique features that set it apart from other barbecue restaurants in Tampa. First, they offer a variety of homemade sauces, including a sweet and tangy mustard-based sauce and a spicy vinegar-based sauce. Second, they have a rotating selection of daily specials that include creative dishes like brisket tacos and pulled pork poutine.
The service at Holy Hog Barbecue is friendly and efficient. Customers place their orders at the counter and then can either dine in or take their food to go. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations.
Main Menu Items:
▣ St. Louis Spare Ribs – These ribs are slow-smoked for several hours and then basted with Holy Hog’s signature barbecue sauce. They’re tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
▣ Pulled Pork Sandwich – Holy Hog’s pulled pork is slow-smoked and then piled high on a soft bun with your choice of toppings. The pork is incredibly tender and flavorful, and the sandwich is a classic Southern favorite.
▣ Brisket Plate – The brisket at Holy Hog is slow-smoked for up to 14 hours and then sliced to order. The plate comes with your choice of sides and bread, and the brisket is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
▣ Burnt Ends – These crispy, smoky bites of meat are a true barbecue delicacy. Holy Hog’s burnt ends are made from the point end of the brisket, which is slow-smoked until it’s tender and then chopped into bite-sized pieces.
▣ Mac and Cheese – Holy Hog’s mac and cheese is made with creamy, cheesy sauce and elbow macaroni. It’s a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with any of their meaty mains.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the brisket sandwich and it was absolutely delicious. The meat was tender and flavorful, and the bread was fresh and soft. The mac and cheese on the side was also amazing. Highly recommend this place!”
“I ordered the half rack of ribs with a side of collard greens and cornbread, and it was amazing. The ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender and the sauce was the perfect combination of sweet and tangy. The collard greens were seasoned perfectly and the cornbread was moist and delicious.”
“The service at Holy Hog Barbecue is top-notch. The staff is always friendly and welcoming, and they go out of their way to make sure you have a great dining experience. The food is also fantastic – I especially love the pulled pork and the homemade sauces.”
Overall, Holy Hog Barbecue is a top-notch barbecue restaurant in Tampa with delicious food, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere. Their St. Louis Spare Ribs and homemade sauces are a must-try, and the rotating daily specials keep things interesting. Highly recommended for anyone looking for authentic Southern-style barbecue in Tampa. They rank amid the top 5 barbecue restaurants in Tampa for good reasons.
Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que
Address: 1609 Angel Oliva Senior St, Tampa, FL 33605
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 11am-8pm, Sunday: Closed
Phone Number: (813) 956-0675
Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que, one of the most popular barbecue restaurants in Tampa, is a cozy, family-owned restaurant located in the historic Ybor City neighborhood of Tampa. The restaurant specializes in Southern-style barbecue and offers a wide range of meats, sides, and desserts. The interior is casual and homey, with a mix of booths and tables and chairs, and a few TVs playing sports.
The signature dish at Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que is their baby back ribs. These ribs are slow-cooked to perfection and then basted with Al’s special barbecue sauce. The meat is tender and juicy with a delicious smoky flavor, and the sauce is sweet and tangy with just the right amount of heat.
One unique feature of Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que is that they offer a wide range of side dishes, including collard greens, black-eyed peas, baked beans, and mac and cheese, all of which are made from scratch. They also offer a range of homemade desserts, including sweet potato pie and banana pudding.
The service at Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que is friendly and welcoming. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. Orders are placed at the counter, and food is served piping hot and fresh.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Baby Back Ribs – These tender, juicy ribs are slow-cooked to perfection and basted with Al’s special barbecue sauce. The meat falls off the bone and is packed with flavor.
▣ Pulled Pork Sandwich – Al’s pulled pork is slow-cooked for hours and then piled high on a soft bun with your choice of toppings. The meat is incredibly tender and flavorful, and the sandwich is a classic Southern favorite.
▣ Beef Brisket – The beef brisket at Al’s is slow-cooked until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s sliced to order and served with your choice of sides and bread.
▣ Fried Chicken – Al’s fried chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It’s seasoned with a blend of spices and served with your choice of sides.
▣ Collard Greens – These classic Southern greens are cooked with smoked turkey and seasoned to perfection. They’re a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with any of Al’s meaty mains.
Customer Reviews:
“The baby back ribs at Al’s are amazing – the meat is so tender it practically falls off the bone, and the sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. The mac and cheese is also to die for – so creamy and cheesy!”
“I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with a side of collard greens, and it was delicious. The pork was tender and juicy, and the greens were seasoned perfectly. I also appreciated the friendly service and homey atmosphere of the restaurant.”
“Al’s is hands down the best barbecue in Tampa. The baby back ribs are a must-try, but everything on the menu is fantastic. I especially love the black-eyed peas and the banana pudding for dessert. Highly recommend!”
Overall, Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for authentic Southern-style barbecue in Tampa. The baby back ribs are a standout dish, but the sides and desserts are also worth a try. The service is friendly, and the homey atmosphere makes for a comfortable dining experience. They stand out among the top barbecue restaurants in Tampa.
Mission BBQ
Address: 5602 W Waters Ave, Tampa, FL 33634
Hours: Daily 11am-9pm
Phone Number: (813) 609-4493
Mission BBQ, while among the top barbecue restaurants in Tampa, is a patriotic-themed restaurant that specializes in traditional American BBQ dishes. The restaurant interior is designed with a patriotic theme and features photographs and memorabilia that pay homage to American servicemen and women. Customers can enjoy indoor or outdoor dining.
The signature dish at Mission BBQ is the brisket, which is slow-smoked for up to 14 hours and served with a choice of sauce. The brisket is known for its tender, juicy texture and rich, smoky flavor. Other popular dishes include pulled pork, chicken, ribs, and sausage.
One unique feature of Mission BBQ is its focus on honoring American military and first responders. The restaurant’s owners are veterans, and the interior is designed with a patriotic theme. Each day at noon, the restaurant stops service to play the national anthem and honor those who serve or have served in the military or first responders. Mission BBQ also donates a portion of its profits to organizations that support veterans and first responders.
The service at Mission BBQ is friendly and efficient. Orders are placed at the counter, and food is served quickly and hot. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Brisket – Slow-smoked for up to 14 hours, the brisket at Mission BBQ is the restaurant’s signature dish. It’s known for its tender texture and rich, smoky flavor.
▣ Pulled Pork – The pulled pork at Mission BBQ is slow-smoked for 12 hours and served with a choice of sauce. The meat is juicy and flavorful, and it pairs perfectly with the restaurant’s homemade sides.
▣ Ribs – Mission BBQ offers St. Louis-style ribs that are seasoned with the restaurant’s signature dry rub and slow-smoked to perfection. They’re fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor.
▣ Chicken – The chicken at Mission BBQ is smoked low and slow for hours and then finished on the grill for a crispy skin. It’s juicy and packed with smoky flavor.
▣ Sausage – The sausage at Mission BBQ is made in-house with a blend of spices and smoked to perfection. It’s juicy, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with the restaurant’s selection of sauces.
Customer Reviews:
“The brisket at Mission BBQ is the best I’ve ever had – it’s perfectly seasoned and melts in your mouth. The pulled pork and ribs are also fantastic, and the patriotic theme of the restaurant is a nice touch.”
“I love that Mission BBQ honors our military and first responders. The food is also delicious – I especially enjoyed the sausage and the mac and cheese. Service is always friendly and quick.”
“The brisket and pulled pork are both great, but what really sets Mission BBQ apart is their selection of sauces. I loved the sweet and tangy sauce, but they have several other options to choose from as well. Highly recommend.”
Mission BBQ is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for traditional American BBQ with a patriotic twist. The brisket is the standout dish, but all of the meats are delicious, and the selection of sauces is excellent. The restaurant’s focus on honoring American military and first responders is admirable, and the service is friendly and efficient. They deserve to be ranked among the top 5 barbecue restaurants in Tampa.
Smoke Shack BBQ
Address: 3324 W Gandy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611
Hours: Monday-Sunday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Phone Number: (813) 748-1988
Smoke Shack BBQ, another of the top barbecue restaurants in Tampa, is a casual, counter-serve restaurant that specializes in classic BBQ dishes. The interior of the restaurant features wood-paneled walls adorned with pictures of famous pitmasters and a large chalkboard menu displaying all the restaurant’s offerings.
One of the signature dishes at Smoke Shack BBQ is the brisket, which is slow-cooked over hickory wood for 14 hours. The brisket is tender, juicy, and has a great smoky flavor that is enhanced by the restaurant’s homemade sauces.
Another standout dish is the St. Louis-style ribs, which are smoked low and slow for hours and then finished with the restaurant’s signature dry rub. They’re fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor.
What sets Smoke Shack BBQ apart from other BBQ restaurants is their commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. They also make all their sauces and sides from scratch in-house.
The restaurant’s service is friendly and efficient, with staff members willing to answer any questions and make recommendations. Orders are placed at the counter, and customers are given a number to take to their table. Food is brought out quickly, and the restaurant is kept clean and tidy.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Brisket – Slow-cooked over hickory wood for 14 hours, this brisket is incredibly tender and juicy with a smoky flavor that’s enhanced by the restaurant’s homemade sauces.
▣ St. Louis-style Ribs – These ribs are smoked low and slow for hours and then finished with the restaurant’s signature dry rub. They’re fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor.
▣ Pulled Pork Sandwich – Slow-cooked and hand-pulled pork served on a soft bun. The pork is tender, juicy, and smoky, and it’s topped with the restaurant’s homemade BBQ sauce.
▣ Mac and Cheese – Made from scratch in-house, this mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.
▣ Burnt Ends – The crispy, flavorful bark of the brisket is cut into cubes and served as burnt ends. They’re smoky, tender, and addictive.
Customer Reviews:
“The brisket here is amazing. It’s so tender and juicy, and the smoky flavor is out of this world. The staff is also super friendly and helpful.”
“I ordered the pulled pork sandwich, and it was delicious. The pork was perfectly cooked and had a great smoky flavor. I also loved the homemade BBQ sauce.”
“The ribs here are some of the best I’ve ever had. They’re so tender and packed with flavor. The mac and cheese and coleslaw were also really good. I’ll definitely be coming back.”
In summary, Smoke Shack BBQ is a great spot for classic BBQ dishes made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The brisket and ribs are standouts, and the restaurant’s commitment to making everything from scratch in-house is admirable. The service is friendly and efficient, and the restaurant has a laid-back, casual atmosphere. They have earned the rank of the top 5 barbecue restaurants in Tampa.
Big John’s Alabama Barbecue
Address: 5707 N 40th St, Tampa, FL 33610
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-8pm, Sunday 11am-5pm
Phone Number: (813) 621-3050
Big John’s Alabama Barbecue, while amid the top barbecue restaurants in Tampa, is a casual, family-owned restaurant that specializes in traditional Alabama-style barbecue. The interior of the restaurant is simple and rustic with wooden tables and chairs, and a counter where you can place your order.
The signature dish at Big John’s is their Alabama-style pulled pork. The pork is slow-cooked over hickory wood and then hand-pulled and seasoned with a blend of spices that give it a smoky, slightly spicy flavor. The restaurant also serves ribs, chicken, and beef brisket, all of which are cooked low and slow over hickory wood.
One unique thing about Big John’s is that they offer a variety of homemade sauces that are all delicious. From a tangy Carolina-style sauce to a sweet and smoky sauce, there’s something for everyone.
The service at Big John’s is friendly and welcoming. The staff takes pride in their food and are happy to answer any questions you might have about the menu.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Pulled Pork Sandwich – Slow-cooked over hickory wood, hand-pulled, and seasoned with a blend of spices. Served on a bun with your choice of homemade sauce.
▣ Beef Brisket Plate – Tender, smoky beef brisket cooked low and slow over hickory wood. Served with two sides and your choice of homemade sauce.
▣ Rib Plate – Slow-cooked pork ribs that are fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor. Served with two sides and your choice of homemade sauce.
▣ Smoked Chicken – Half a chicken that is brined and then slow-cooked over hickory wood to give it a smoky flavor. Served with two sides and your choice of homemade sauce.
▣ Fried Okra – Fresh okra that is breaded and fried to a crispy golden brown. A perfect southern-style side dish that pairs well with any of the barbecue dishes.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the pulled pork sandwich and it was delicious! The meat was so tender and juicy, and the homemade sauce was amazing. I also loved the fried okra as a side.”
“The ribs here are the best I’ve ever had. They’re fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor. The service was great too – very friendly and welcoming.”
“Big John’s is the real deal when it comes to Alabama-style barbecue. The pulled pork and the brisket were both incredible, and the mac and cheese was the perfect comfort food side. Can’t wait to come back!”
Big John’s Alabama Barbecue is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic Alabama-style barbecue in Tampa. The pulled pork is a standout dish, but everything on the menu is cooked to perfection and the homemade sauces are not to be missed. With friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere, Big John’s is a great spot for a casual, delicious meal. They can definitely be counted among the top barbecue restaurants in Tampa.
From the classic offerings at Holy Hog Barbecue to the unique flavors at Smoke Shack BBQ, Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que offers a no-frills, family-owned experience, while Mission BBQ pays homage to first responders and military personnel. Finally, Big John’s Alabama Barbecue brings a taste of the Deep South to Tampa with its slow-cooked meats and traditional sides. This is why they are the best restaurants in Tampa for easing your BBQ craving. Whether you’re a Tampa local or visiting the area, be sure to check out these top 5 barbecue restaurants in Tampa for some of the best barbecue in town.
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